Average cost of a shed

Summary: How much does a shed cost, average shed installation costs and average shed prices.

When it comes to satisfying DIY projects, you really can't beat building a shed. Not only is a shed a practical addition to any garden, but it can become a haven – somewhere to escape to when the stresses and strains of daily life get too much. Whether you plan to use your shed for extra storage or somewhere to work on your latest DIY projects, there are a few things to consider when thinking about how much your shed will cost.

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Factors to consider

What will you use it for?

When thinking about the type and size of shed you plan to build, the first thing to consider is what you will use it for. If you are looking for somewhere to store bags of compost and a few garden tools, a small storage shed measuring 6ft x 4ft would probably suffice.

If on the other hand you plan to use your shed for more involved projects – perhaps as a workshop or somewhere to work on your bike – you will need a much larger space. If you plan on placing heavy machinery in your shed, you will need to ensure you have a floor that is strong enough to bear the weight. And if you need an electricity supply to be connected, you might want to factor-in the cost of contracting an electrician to do the job.

Before deciding what size to go for, you should also consider the space you have available in your garden. You will need somewhere flat and dry for your shed and ideally soil that is even and well drained. If you do not have somewhere suitable in your garden to begin with, you will need to factor-in the cost of preparing the land.

Wood, metal or plastic?

The type of material used to build your shed will have a big impact on cost. Wood is the most common material used to build sheds in the UK, being relatively cheap, lightweight and easy to handle. The downside of wood is that it needs regular care and maintenance to prevent problems such as rot.

Metal is becoming an increasingly popular choice and has a number of advantages. Metal is durable and difficult to cut without specialist (and noisy) equipment, making it a good option for anyone who wants increased security. Unlike wood, it doesn't require treating and isn't prone to problems such as rot. Metal is more expensive than wood or plastic however and making a metal shed from scratch is beyond the capabilities of the casual DIY enthusiast.

Plastic storage sheds are a cheap and easy solution for small spaces and are totally maintenance free. They require very little installation beyond fitting parts together and can be put up in a matter of minutes.

Which design?

Modern sheds are available in a huge variety of designs and the type of finishes and features you chose will affect your budget. The vast majority of inexpensive wooden sheds on the market are made from softwoods such as pine. Choosing a more expensive hardwood such as oak or birch can make your shed look more attractive, but will obviously have an impact on the price.

Other decorative features such as porches, balconies and glazed windows can all help make your shed into a feature and blend with the look and feel of your house – but again, all this comes at a cost.

If you are looking for somewhere to store bags of compost and a few garden tools, a small storage shed would probably suffice.

You will need somewhere flat and dry for your shed and ideally soil that is even and well drained.

Costs to consider

Building your own shed from scratch can be an enjoyable project for the DIY enthusiast and could potentially work out to be the most cost effective option if you have access to the right materials and tools. The key to a successful self build shed however is planning, making it important to spend some time researching designs and plans. Poor planning can lead to costly mistakes and turn an inexpensive project into a DIY nightmare.

Buying a shed kit is a good compromise and a popular option. Nearly all sheds bought from DIY stores or mail order companies are supplied in this way. The shed is delivered to the customer's home and the customer is responsible for assembling and installing it using the instructions and materials provided.

Shed kits are available in a huge range of sizes and styles and typically include all the fittings and fixtures required. This makes buying a shed a cost effective solution and reduces the risk of costs spiralling out of control. Prices start from around £100 for a 5ft x 3ft traditional shed and increase depending on the size and quality of the kit.

Shed kits are available in a huge range of sizes and styles and typically include all the fittings and fixtures required.